Job Search Strategies: 5 steps to make study abroad work for you

Job Search Strategies:

5 Steps to make Study Abroad Work for You

Laura Short, Assistant DirectorTrinity University Career Services

How study abroad helps job searchList of benefits

• Builds transferrable skills

• Shows global awareness

• Builds references

• Builds network

Steps to leverage study abroadPut it to work for you

1. Gather your resources

2. Research jobs

3. Research companies

4. Draw comparisons

5. Pull it together

1. Gather your resourcesTo-do list for during and after study abroad experience

• Imagery: photos, video, slideshows

• Writing: blog or journal articles, status updates on social media

• News clips

• Other documentation

• Anecdotes: the experiences that sum up transferable skills

Discussion:What are your transferable skills?

Transferable skills sets for job seekers – QuintCareers.com

2. Research jobsFind and dissect job descriptions

• Indeed.com

• LinkedIn Jobs

• GoinGlobal

• Career Services

Exercise:Analyze key words

Wordle.net – Word cloud app tip

3. Research companiesLearn more about companies that are hiring—locations, target markets, etc.

• Company website

• Google alerts

• Follow them on social media

• LinkedIn (who works there)

• Glassdoor.com

• Jobipedia.org

Exercise:Personal mission statement / branding (is it a match with employer?)

• What is your never-changing purpose?

• How will you make those around you better?

• How can you make you better?

• What change do you want to see in the world? What part do you

play in this change?

• What can you do that no one else can? Hint: What dots can you

connect for an employer? Why should they hire you?

• What will you never do again?

4. Draw comparisonsNote similar words and phrases

• Your personal documentation (blog articles, memories, etc.)

• The job descriptions

• The company descriptions

• Your personal mission statement

Exercise:Use your similarities to develop

• Resume bullet points

• Cover letter examples

• Interview answers

5. Pulling it togetherResume example 1

5. Pulling it togetherResume example 2

5. Pulling it togetherCover letter example

5. Pulling it togetherInterview answer example

Exercise:STAR method to answering interview questions

• S – Describe the situation.

• T – What was the task that had to be done?

• A – What action did you take?

• R – What were the results?

Steps to leverage study abroadQuestions?

1. Gather your resources

2. Research jobs

3. Research companies

4. Draw comparisons

5. Pull it together